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IFCA’s Favorite Nutritious Foods to Recommend to Clients

 


One of the most common questions we get from coaches inside IFCA is:
“What foods should I recommend to clients who want to eat healthier without overcomplicating it?”

Whether your client wants to lose fat, build muscle, balance hormones, or just feel better in their body, nutrition plays a central role. But here's the thing—we don’t believe in overloading people with 97 different superfoods or pushing strict meal plans on day one.

Instead, we keep it simple. Real food, realistic swaps, and nutrition habits your clients can actually stick to.

Below are IFCA’s go-to nutritious food picks we love recommending to clients. They’re versatile, easy to find, and packed with the stuff that matters—protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and flavor.

1. Eggs

Why We Love Them:

  • Complete protein source

  • Loaded with B vitamins, choline, and healthy fats

  • Quick to cook, easy to add to meals

Coach Tip:

Great for breakfast clients who don’t like protein shakes or want something fast. Recommend hard-boiling a batch for grab-and-go snacks.

2. Greek Yogurt (Plain, Unsweetened)

Why We Love It:

  • High in protein

  • Gut-friendly probiotics

  • Can be sweet or savory

Coach Tip:

Add berries and cinnamon for a sweet option, or use it as a sour cream swap in savory dishes. Look for brands with 15–20g protein per serving.

3. Berries (Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries)

Why We Love Them:

  • Low in sugar compared to other fruits

  • High in fiber and antioxidants

  • Easy to add to oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, or snacks

Coach Tip:

Keep frozen berries on hand to save money and reduce food waste. They’re great blended or thawed.

4. Chicken Thighs (Skinless or Bone-In)

Why We Love Them:

  • More flavorful and forgiving than chicken breast

  • High in protein and iron

  • Often more budget-friendly

Coach Tip:

Great for meal prep clients who struggle with dry chicken. Marinate and roast with veggies for a no-fuss dinner.

5. Oats (Old-Fashioned or Steel Cut)

Why We Love Them:

  • High in soluble fiber (great for digestion and blood sugar)

  • Slow-digesting carbs for sustained energy

  • Naturally gluten-free

Coach Tip:

Recommend as a pre-workout breakfast or snack. Add protein powder post-cook to balance macros.

6. Avocados

Why We Love Them:

  • Rich in heart-healthy fats

  • Contains fiber and potassium

  • Pairs well with both sweet and savory meals

Coach Tip:

Great for clients who need to increase healthy fats or who struggle with satiety. Add to toast, bowls, or blend into smoothies.

7. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Arugula, Romaine)

Why We Love Them:

  • Low-calorie, high-micronutrient density

  • Loaded with vitamin K, folate, and fiber

  • Versatile for salads, smoothies, sautés

Coach Tip:

Not every client loves salads. Recommend tossing a handful into scrambled eggs or blending into a smoothie.

8. Sweet Potatoes

Why We Love Them:

  • Complex carb rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A)

  • Naturally sweet and filling

  • Great for performance-focused clients

Coach Tip:

Meal prep hack: roast a batch at the beginning of the week and reheat as needed. Pair with protein for a balanced meal.

9. Canned Tuna or Salmon (In Water or Olive Oil)

Why We Love It:

  • High protein, shelf-stable, and affordable

  • Great source of omega-3s (especially salmon)

  • No cooking required

Coach Tip:

Perfect for busy clients. Mix with mustard or avocado for a quick lunch. Watch sodium content and recommend wild-caught when possible.

10. Beans and Lentils

Why We Love Them:

  • Plant-based protein + fiber

  • Super filling and budget-friendly

  • Packed with minerals like magnesium and iron

Coach Tip:

Recommend to vegetarian clients or anyone looking to boost fiber. Great in soups, bowls, or tossed into salads.

Bonus: Dark Chocolate (70% or higher)

Why We Love It:

  • Satisfies cravings without wrecking progress

  • Contains antioxidants and magnesium

  • Supports sustainability over restriction

Coach Tip:

Use this as a strategy to help clients ditch the “all or nothing” mindset. One or two squares after dinner can reduce binge patterns and improve adherence.

Final Thoughts: Simplicity Wins

You don’t need to recommend exotic powders or superfood blends to help your clients eat better. In fact, the more practical and accessible the food list is, the more likely they are to follow it.

At IFCA, we teach coaches how to focus on habits and strategy, not just the science. A well-placed food swap, a few go-to grocery staples, and client education around balance often go a lot further than trying to meal plan their life.

If you’re ready to level up your coaching with real-world tools that actually get results, you’re in the right place.

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